Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Pennsylvania

If a person writes a good deal of a textbook while under contract for an organization, is it legal for the organization to publish the book under the name of a different author (who did do some work on the book), once the first author is no longer employed there? I understand that the organization owns the copywright to the book, and is entitled to all profits from its sale. The question is authorship. I signed an IP agreement; while nothing about authorship was included in it, it seems fraudulent for the organization to sell the work with someone else listed as sole author.


Asked on 10/15/10, 3:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

You need to consult with an IP attorney about this issue. As the author, you have some rights, even if they own the copyright. Was the the book first copyrighted with your name? Consult with a good IP attorney in your area for a review of the agreement you signed and for specific advice.

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

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Answered on 10/21/10, 9:48 am


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